US11446508B2 - Implantable medical device configured to establish a communication link to another implantable medical device - Google Patents

Implantable medical device configured to establish a communication link to another implantable medical device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US11446508B2
US11446508B2 US16/990,392 US202016990392A US11446508B2 US 11446508 B2 US11446508 B2 US 11446508B2 US 202016990392 A US202016990392 A US 202016990392A US 11446508 B2 US11446508 B2 US 11446508B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
medical device
communication
range
transmit
response
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US16/990,392
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20210085989A1 (en
Inventor
Burkhard Huegerich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Biotronik SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Biotronik SE and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Biotronik SE and Co KG filed Critical Biotronik SE and Co KG
Priority to US16/990,392 priority Critical patent/US11446508B2/en
Assigned to BIOTRONIK SE & CO. KG reassignment BIOTRONIK SE & CO. KG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Huegerich, Burkhard
Publication of US20210085989A1 publication Critical patent/US20210085989A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US11446508B2 publication Critical patent/US11446508B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
    • A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
    • A61N1/37252—Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data
    • A61N1/37288—Communication to several implantable medical devices within one patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
    • A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
    • A61N1/37252—Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
    • A61N1/375—Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
    • A61N1/3756—Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/38—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for producing shock effects
    • A61N1/39—Heart defibrillators
    • A61N1/3956—Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion
    • A61N1/3962—Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion in combination with another heart therapy
    • A61N1/39622—Pacing therapy
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • H04M1/72412—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
    • A61N1/375—Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
    • A61N1/37512—Pacemakers

Definitions

  • the instant invention generally relates to an implantable medical device, a system of implantable medical devices, and a method for establishing a communication link in between an implantable medical device and another implantable medical device.
  • An implantable medical device of this kind may for example be a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a sensor device such as a pressure sensor, or a recording device such as a loop recorder to be subcutaneously implanted in a patient.
  • An implantable pacemaker may for example be subcutaneously implanted in a patient and may comprise leads carrying electrodes and extending from a generator unit of the pacemaker device into the patient's heart for example to provide a pacing action in the right ventricle of the heart.
  • an implantable pacemaker device may be defined as a leadless pacemaker not comprising leads, but being directly implanted into the patient's heart, for example in the right ventricle in order to provide for a pacing action.
  • a cardioverter defibrillator may serve for monitoring and treating potentially life-threatening arrhythmias in a patient's heart, wherein a cardioverter defibrillator of this kind may for example be implanted subcutaneously and may comprise leads extending into the patient's heart in order to record signals and to inject stimulation energy into the patient's heart for example to provide an electric shock (defibrillation).
  • Sensor devices such as pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors or the like, may for example be implanted into a blood vessel, such as a vein, in order to provide for a monitoring of relevant parameters in the context of providing a therapy.
  • a loop recorder is for example subcutaneously implanted and serves to continuously record information for example about cardiac activity, such as an ECG.
  • a loop recorder may continuously loop its memory and may store particular portions of signals, such that recorded signals may be communicated to an external device for analyzing the signals and for providing a diagnosis.
  • a pacemaker device may communicate with each other in order to allow the medical devices to interact. For example, signals sensed by a pacemaker device or an implanted sensor device may be transmitted to a loop recorder such that the loop recorder may record such signals.
  • a pacemaker device may receive signals from a sensor device implanted remotely from the pacemaker device in order to take sensing signals of the sensor device into account for controlling a pacing action in the patient's heart.
  • IBN intra-body network
  • European patent EP 2 327 609 B1 describes an acoustic communication link in between implanted medical devices for exchanging information in between the implanted medical devices.
  • the acoustic communication link is established to permit wireless communication between the implanted medical devices, wherein transmission parameters may be adapted, such as a sensitivity and a carrier frequency, in order to improve an existing communication link.
  • a wireless communication in between implanted medical devices may generally involve acoustic, radio frequency (RF) or magnetic signals.
  • signals are transmitted using a particular carrier frequency, wherein a transmission may be initiated by one implantable medical device for reception by another medical device. If one medical device transmits a signal using a particular carrier frequency, it herein must be ensured that the other medical device is able to receive the signal on that carrier frequency.
  • implanted medical devices generally are small in size and hence may comprise only a simplified processing circuitry, it may be the case that an implanted medical device is not able to reliably tune to and maintain a particular carrier frequency, as it is required for a reliable communication link.
  • an implantable medical device comprises a control circuitry and a communication circuitry for communicating with another implantable medical device, the communication circuitry comprising a transmission unit and a reception unit.
  • the transmission unit for establishing a communication link with the other implantable medical device, is configured to transmit a multiplicity of transmit communication signals, wherein each transmit communication signal is associated with a dedicated sub-range of a predefined frequency range.
  • the reception unit is configured to receive a response communication signal in response to a transmit communication signal.
  • the control circuitry is configured to determine whether a response communication signal in response to a transmit communication signal associated with a dedicated sub-range has been received, and to establish the communication link based on the determination.
  • An implantable medical device such as for example a sensor device, may be in a sleep mode over prolonged periods of time in case a full functioning of the implantable medical device is not required. In the sleep mode certain functions of the implantable medical device may be shut down, such as a communication function to communicate with other medical devices. Hence, at an initial power up of a medical device or after a phase in which the medical device has been in the sleep mode, a communication link with another medical device may have to be established in order to allow for a data communication between the medical devices.
  • a carrier frequency used by one medical device for transmission and reception of signals must match with a carrier frequency which the other medical device uses for reception and transmission. Only if the medical devices work on the same carrier frequency, a reliable communication link can be established in between the medical devices.
  • medical devices negotiate a carrier frequency in the context of establishing a communication link, such that prior to a data communication it is defined which carrier frequency to use for the communication in between the medical devices.
  • a medical device wishing to establish the communication link transmits different transmit communication signals towards another medical device, wherein each transmit communication signal is associated with a dedicated sub-range of a predefined frequency range.
  • each transmit communication signal is associated with a dedicated sub-range of a predefined frequency range.
  • the transmission unit is configured to sequentially transmit, for establishing a communication link, transmit communication signals associated with a sequence of dedicated sub-ranges in said predefined frequency range.
  • the medical device hence transmits a sequence of transmit communication signals, the transmit communication signals being associated with different sub-ranges such that the medical device is enabled to establish whether the other medical device is able to use any of those sub-ranges for a data communication.
  • the transmission unit is configured to sequentially transmit, for establishing a communication link, transmit communication signals starting at a sub-range at a first end of the frequency range, and ending at a sub-range at a second end of the frequency range opposite the first end.
  • the medical device by transmitting a sequence of transmit communication signals, hence performs a frequency sweep starting for example at a lower end of the defined frequency range in order to successively increase the frequency until a second, upper end of the frequency range is reached. It herein may be detected whether a response in one or multiple of the sub-ranges is received by the other medical device, such that a communication link may be established based on such response communication signal.
  • This concept of sweeping through a pre-defined range of sub-frequencies can be utilized in a sequence of subsequently defined narrower bands of sub-frequencies thus allowing for a very fine tuning of the utilized communication frequency with the result of an optimized communication link between implanted devices.
  • the reception unit is configured to record, after each transmission of a transmit communication signal, a received response communication signal.
  • the medical device monitors whether a response to a particular transmit communication signal is received, such that based on the response it can be determined whether the other medical device is able to communicate in the particular sub-range associated with a transmit communication signal.
  • the other medical device acknowledges the reception of the transmit communication signal, and by the response communication signal informs the (first) medical device that it is able to communicate making use of a carrier frequency in the sub-range associated with the particular transmit communication signal and response communication signal.
  • the transmit communication signal and likewise the response communication signal may for example be modulated using a common modulation scheme, such as a PCM, FSK, PSK, QPSK, FM or AM modulation or the like.
  • a common modulation scheme such as a PCM, FSK, PSK, QPSK, FM or AM modulation or the like.
  • an identifier of the other medical device to which a communication link shall be established and an identifier of the transmitting medical device may be encoded, in addition to a trigger message (such as a “Hello” message) informing the other medical device that that a communication link shall be established.
  • the other medical device is able to decode the transmit communication signal and to create a response communication signal, in which for example an identifier of the medical device seeking communication, an identifier of the responding medical device and an acknowledgment message (such as an “OK” message) is encoded.
  • a response communication signal in which for example an identifier of the medical device seeking communication, an identifier of the responding medical device and an acknowledgment message (such as an “OK” message) is encoded.
  • the transmission of the transmit communication signal may take place once, or may be repeated for a predefined number of times, for example four times.
  • control circuitry is configured to select a sub-range for establishing the communication link if a response communication signal is received in response to a transmit communication signal associated with the sub-range. Generally, if a response in a particular sub-range is received, it is assumed that the other medical device is able to communicate in that sub-range. The control circuitry hence may choose the sub-range for establishing the communication link.
  • the control circuitry may choose one of the sub-ranges to establish the communication link. If for example response signals in three consecutive sub-ranges have been received, the control circuitry may choose the middle sub-range of these sub-ranges for establishing the communication link.
  • the control circuitry may choose one of the sub-ranges to establish the communication link. If for example response signals in three consecutive sub-ranges have been received and each sub-range was tested e.g. with 4 “Hello” messages but only one sub-range responded to all 4 “Hello” messages with an “OK” response and the other responded to less than 4 “Hello” messages with an “OK” message, the control circuitry may choose the sub-range of these sub-ranges which resulted in receiving 4 “OK” messages for establishing the communication link.
  • control circuitry may choose the perform an additional sweep with a fine grade sub-range within the previous sub-range which resulted in receiving the most “OK” messages to subsequently identifying the optimal carrier frequency for establishing the communication link.
  • control circuitry may be configured to terminate the establishing of the communication link with the other implantable medical device. Hence, if no response from the other medical device can be received, it is assumed that at this time no communication link with the other medical device can be established, such that no further transmit communication signals for establishing the communication link are sent out.
  • the medical device may retry to establish the communication link with the other medical device by repeating the negotiation procedure.
  • the medical device generally may make use of different transmission technologies in order to provide for a communication with another medical device.
  • signals may be transmitted and received using an acoustic transmission, a radiofrequency (RF) transmission, a magnetic (inductive) transmission, or a purely electric field transmission.
  • RF radiofrequency
  • magnetic inductive
  • purely electric field transmission a purely electric field transmission.
  • a carrier frequency in a rather low frequency range, such as in between 10 kHz and 1 MHz, preferably in between 300 kHz and 500 kHz, for example around 400 kHz.
  • signals may experience losses, such that a transmission at a rather low frequency (and a correspondingly large wavelength) is preferable over a transmission with higher frequencies.
  • oscillating electric fields may be used which will induce electric potential fluctuations throughout the body due to electrolytes in bodily fluids.
  • a system of implantable medical devices comprises a first implantable medical device and a second implantable medical device.
  • the first implantable medical device comprises a first control circuitry and a first communication circuitry having a first transmission unit and a first reception unit.
  • the second implantable medical device comprises a second communication circuitry having a second transmission unit and a second reception unit.
  • the first transmission unit for establishing a communication link with the second implantable medical device, is configured to transmit a multiplicity of transmit communication signals, wherein each transmit communication signal is associated with a dedicated sub-range of a predefined frequency range.
  • the second reception unit is configured to receive a transmit communication signal of said multiplicity of transmit communication signals.
  • the second transmission unit is configured to transmit, in response to receiving the transmit communication signal, a response communication signal.
  • the first transmit reception unit is configured to receive said response communication signal.
  • the first control circuitry is configured to determine whether a response communication signal in response to a transmit communication signal associated with a dedicated sub-range has been received, and to establish the communication link
  • a first implantable medical device sends out transmit communication signals in order to establish a communication link to another, second medical device.
  • the second medical device by means of its reception unit, receives one or multiple of the transmit communication signals and generates, in reaction to a received transmit communication signal, a response communication signal in the sub-range to which the transmit communication signal is associated.
  • the response communication signal by means of the transmission unit of the second medical device, is sent to the first medical device, which receives the response communication signal and establishes a communication link based on the response communication signal.
  • a first medical device tries certain sub-ranges of a frequency range in order to establish a communication link. If a response in one of the sub-ranges is received, this is concluded to indicate that the other, second medical device is enabled to communicate in the particular sub-range, such that a communication link is established making use of a carrier frequency in the sub-range.
  • a method for establishing a communication link between an implantable medical device and another implantable medical device comprises transmitting, using a transmission unit of a communication circuitry of the implantable medical device, a multiplicity of transmit communication signals, wherein each transmit communication signal is associated with a dedicated sub-range of a predefined frequency range.
  • a reception unit of the communication circuitry of the implantable medical device is used for receiving a response communication signal in response to a transmit communication signal.
  • Control circuitry of the implantable medical device is used to determine whether a response communication signal in response to a transmit communication signal associated with a dedicated sub-range has been received. A communication link based on the determination is then established.
  • a frequency sweep over multiple sub-ranges within a frequency range may be performed.
  • the step of transmitting multiple transmit communication signals may include a sequential transmission of transmit communication signals starting at a sub-range at a first end of the frequency range and ending at a sub-range at a second end of the frequency range.
  • a first transmit communication signal may be transmitted in a first sub-range at the first end of the frequency range.
  • a second transmit communication signal in a second sub-range adjacent the first sub-range may be transmitted.
  • Further transmit communication signals in further, successive sub-ranges following the second sub-range may then be transmitted until a last sub-range at a second end of the frequency range opposite the first end is reached.
  • the sweep may start at the lower end of the frequency range and end at the upper end.
  • the sweep may start at the upper end and may end at the lower end.
  • the frequency sweep may be terminated if a response communication signal is received in a sub-range, but no further response signal is received in a subsequent, adjacent sub-range.
  • the procedure for establishing a communication link may be carried out at any time a medical device wishes to establish a communication with another medical device. This may take place at an initial startup of the medical device or after exiting a phase of a sleep mode in which a communication function for example has been shut down.
  • the medical devices not necessarily have to comprise circuitry which is able to establish an exact, predefined carrier frequency with a high degree of accuracy.
  • the carrier frequency is negotiated prior to any communication, a circuitry of the medical devices may be simplified, and costs as well as power consumption may be reduced. Also, possibly a wider frequency range may be used for a communication.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a system of medical devices implanted in a patient
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of two medical devices in between which a communication link for a data communication in between the medical devices shall be established;
  • FIG. 3 is a graph showing a frequency range divided into sub-ranges and transmit communication signals associated with the sub-ranges
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing a transmission of transmit communication signals from one medical device to another for establishing a communication link
  • FIG. 5 is an illustration showing another example of a transmission of transmission communication signals.
  • FIG. 6 is an illustration showing yet another example of a transmission of transmit communication signals for establishing a communication link.
  • implantable medical devices 1 , 2 , 3 may be implanted in a patient at different locations in order to provide different functions within the patient.
  • a medical device 1 in the shape of a leadless pacemaker device may be implanted in the right ventricle RV of the patient's heart in order to provide for a pacing action within the heart H.
  • Another medical device 2 for example in the shape of a loop recorder may subcutaneously be implanted within the chest, the loop recorder allowing for a recording of signals and, for example, a communication with an external device in order to monitor certain parameters within the patient.
  • Another implantable medical device 3 in the shape of a sensor device for example a pressure sensor, a flow sensor or a temperature sensor or the like, may be implanted for example in a blood vessel in order to sense characteristic parameters such as a blood pressure or a blood flow.
  • a loop recorder may hence for example record sensor data of a sensor device, or data of a pacemaker or a cardioverter defibrillator, and may also provide data for example to a pacemaker or a cardioverter defibrillator to control a therapeutic action.
  • a communication link between medical devices 1 , 2 , 3 needs to be established.
  • Signals herein are exchanged in a modulated fashion making use of a particular transmission technology, such as an acoustic transmission, radio frequency (RF) transmission, a magnetic (inductive) signal transmission, or an oscillating electric field based transmission, and a particular modulation scheme, such as a PCM, FSK, PSK, QPSK, FM, or AM modulation or the like.
  • transmission takes place by employing a carrier frequency, which must match in between the communicating medical devices 1 , 2 , 3 in order to establish a reliable communication link.
  • medical devices 1 , 2 to be implanted in a patient may have a small built and may be designed for a low power consumption in order to remain in a patient over a long-term.
  • the first medical device 1 for example in the shape of a leadless pacemaker, may herein comprise a housing 10 , a control circuitry 11 , an electrode arrangement 12 for emitting stimulation signals, or receiving sense signals, a communication circuitry 13 and an energy storage 14 , for example in the shape of a battery.
  • a second medical device 2 for example in the shape of an implantable sensor device, such as a pressure sensor, or in the shape of a loop recorder, comprises a housing 20 , a control circuitry 21 , a communication circuitry 23 , and an energy storage 24 , for example in the shape of a battery.
  • the communication circuitry 13 , 23 in each case, comprises a transmission unit 130 , 230 , and a reception unit 131 , 231 .
  • the communication circuitry 13 , 23 is designed for the specific transmission technology, which is for transmitting and receiving of acoustic signals, radio frequency (RF) signals, magnetic signals or electrical signals.
  • the communication circuitry 13 , 23 is configured to modulate respectively demodulate signals for transmission and reception, to optimize transmission parameters, to amplify received signals and to process signals in order to forward processed signals to the control circuitry 11 , 21 for an analysis and control of the operation of the medical device 1 , 2 .
  • the communication circuitry 13 , 23 is in particular enabled to modify a carrier frequency for transmission, as shall be explained in detail below.
  • a communication link L shall be established in between the medical devices 1 , 2 for example at the initial startup of one of the medical devices 1 , 2 or after exiting a sleep mode after a prolonged duration of passivity of the medical device 1 , 2 .
  • a medical device 1 , 2 which wishes to establish a communication sends out a trigger signal towards the other medical device 2 , 1 , the trigger signal indicating that the medical device 1 wishes to establish communication.
  • a common carrier frequency to be used for the communication shall be negotiated in between the medical devices 1 , 2 .
  • the medical device 1 , 2 wishing to establish the communication sends out a sequence of transmit communication signals over a frequency range and awaits response communication signals in order to then establish the communication link L making use of a carrier frequency in a particular sub-range of the frequency range.
  • a frequency range in which a communication may be established may for example be centered around a center frequency of 400 kHz.
  • a frequency range may range from a lower frequency at about 380 kHz to an upper frequency at about 420 kHz.
  • a central sub-range A 3 in between 399 kHz and 401 kHz is optimal for communication, wherein a communication may also be established in other sub-ranges A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5 , corresponding to a sub-range A 1 below 395 kHz, a sub-range A 2 in between 395 kHz and 399 kHz, a subrange A 4 in between 401 kHz and 405 kHz, and sub-range A 5 above 405 kHz.
  • the medical device 1 , 2 wishing to establish the communication sends out transmit communication signals S 1 -S 5 in the different sub-ranges A 1 -A 5 and monitors whether a response communication signal in any of the sub-ranges A 1 -A 5 is received from the other medical device 2 , 1 .
  • the medical device 1 , 2 herein, in one embodiment, performs a frequency sweep in that transmit communication signals S 1 -S 5 are sequentially and consecutively transmitted starting at the lowest sub-range A 1 and ending at the highest sub-range A 5 , wherein in each sub-range A 1 -A 5 it is monitored whether a response communication signal from the other medical device 2 , 1 is received.
  • the medical device 1 may sent out transmit communication signals S 1 -S 5 to the other medical device 2 .
  • the transmit communication signals S 1 -S 5 may be modulated messages comprising an identifier of the other medical device 2 with which a communication shall be established, and also comprising a trigger message (“Hello”) notifying the other medical device 2 that a communication shall be established.
  • the transmit communication signals S 1 -S 5 may comprise an identifier of the sending medical device 1 such that the other medical device 2 is notified which device wishes to establish a communication.
  • the medical device 1 transmits, by means of the transmission unit 130 , transmit communication signals S 1 -S 5 .
  • the transmission of each transmit communication signal S 1 -S 5 may herein be carried out once, or may be repeated for a predefined number of times, for example four times.
  • the medical device 1 After each transmission the medical device 1 monitors whether a response signal is received from the other medical device 2 , wherein the monitoring may take place over a predefined amount of time, i.e., a predefined waiting period in which the reception unit 131 awaits a response communication signal from the other medical device 2 . If no response is received for a specific transmit communication signal S 1 -S 5 , the medical device 1 may go on to transmit a transmit communication signal S 1 -S 5 in another, adjacent sub-range, until the end of the frequency range, i.e., the highest sub-range A 5 , is reached.
  • the control circuitry 11 of the medical device 1 terminates the establishing of the communication link L, wherein, possibly, after a predetermined amount of time, for example a few minutes, it may be retried to establish a communication link L.
  • the medical device 1 may send out another transmit communication signal S 3 in an adjacent sub-range A 3 and monitor whether a response is also received in the adjacent sub-range A 3 . If this is not the case, the control circuitry 11 establishes a communication link L making use of a carrier frequency in the sub-range A 2 in which a response communication signal R 2 has been received.
  • the response communication signal R 2 may for example comprise an identifier of the sending medical device 2 , an identifier of the medical device 1 to which the response communication signal is directed, and an acknowledgment message (“OK”) notifying the medical device 1 that the transmit communication signal S 2 has been received and herewith is acknowledged.
  • OK acknowledgment message
  • response communication signals R 2 , R 3 , R 4 may be received for multiple transmit communication signals S 2 , S 3 , S 4 .
  • the medical device 1 may continue to send out transmit communication signals S 1 -S 5 until no further response communication signal R 2 -R 4 is received or until the end of the frequency range, i.e., the highest sub-range A 5 , is reached.
  • the control circuitry 11 may be configured to choose one of the sub-ranges A 2 -A 4 associated with the response communication signals R 2 -R 4 in order to establish the communication link L. For example, the middle sub-range A 3 of the consecutive sub-ranges A 2 -A 4 for which a response has been received may be selected. Or, if a response in the central, presumably optimal sub-range A 3 is received, the sub-range A 3 may always be chosen over all other sub-ranges A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5 .

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
US16/990,392 2019-09-19 2020-08-11 Implantable medical device configured to establish a communication link to another implantable medical device Active 2041-04-29 US11446508B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/990,392 US11446508B2 (en) 2019-09-19 2020-08-11 Implantable medical device configured to establish a communication link to another implantable medical device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962902408P 2019-09-19 2019-09-19
US16/990,392 US11446508B2 (en) 2019-09-19 2020-08-11 Implantable medical device configured to establish a communication link to another implantable medical device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20210085989A1 US20210085989A1 (en) 2021-03-25
US11446508B2 true US11446508B2 (en) 2022-09-20

Family

ID=68344688

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/990,392 Active 2041-04-29 US11446508B2 (en) 2019-09-19 2020-08-11 Implantable medical device configured to establish a communication link to another implantable medical device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US11446508B2 (de)
EP (1) EP3795213B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2021048580A (de)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4347002A1 (de) * 2021-05-26 2024-04-10 BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG Kommunikationssystem für eine intrakorporale kommunikation

Citations (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3342598A (en) 1965-06-14 1967-09-19 Eastman Kodak Co Phosphorous and maleic acid buffers for ferricyanide photographic bleaches
US20060135998A1 (en) * 2004-11-18 2006-06-22 Imad Libbus System and method for closed-loop neural stimulation
US7280872B1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2007-10-09 Transoma Medical, Inc. Wireless communication with implantable medical device
US20070239210A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2007-10-11 Imad Libbus System and method for closed-loop neural stimulation
US20100030303A1 (en) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Medtronic, Inc. Monitoring ambient noise on communication channels used to communicate with medical devices
US7957813B1 (en) * 2007-05-08 2011-06-07 Pacesetter, Inc. Adaptive staged wake-up for implantable medical device communication
EP2361654A1 (de) 2010-02-18 2011-08-31 St. Jude Medical AB Réveil de circuit de communication implantable
WO2012056298A2 (en) 2010-10-29 2012-05-03 Cochlear Limited Pairing or associating electronic devices
US20130085550A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 Greatbatch, Ltd. Medical implant range extension bridge apparatus and method
US8423139B2 (en) * 2004-12-20 2013-04-16 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for cardiac rhythm management using an electrode arrangement
US8805528B2 (en) 2009-03-31 2014-08-12 Medtronic, Inc. Channel assessment and selection for wireless communication between medical devices
EP2327609B1 (de) 2009-11-26 2016-01-27 Faroex Ltd. Struktur mit einer Verbundstoffplattenverbindung
US20160121129A1 (en) * 2014-11-03 2016-05-05 Pacesetter, Inc. System and method for low power communication between implantable devices
US20160294486A1 (en) * 2015-03-30 2016-10-06 Sony Mobile Communications Inc. Device contact avoidance for body area network
US10091784B1 (en) * 2016-12-31 2018-10-02 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Device-to-device (D2D) scheduling control in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless system
US10307600B2 (en) * 2015-09-22 2019-06-04 Medtronic, Inc. System and method for interacting with an implantable medical device
US10485444B2 (en) * 2014-10-17 2019-11-26 G-Tech Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for processing electromyographic signals of the gastrointestinal tract
US20190372648A1 (en) * 2015-08-25 2019-12-05 Cellium Technologies, Ltd. Systems and Methods for Transporting Signals Inside Vehicles
US10512414B2 (en) * 2015-08-29 2019-12-24 G-Tech Medical, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting gastrointestinal motor activity during post-operative recovery
US20200049829A1 (en) * 2017-04-20 2020-02-13 Wuhan University Method and system of real-time transmission and demodulation of beidou satellite navigation signals
US20220182124A1 (en) * 2015-08-25 2022-06-09 Cellium Technologies, Ltd. Macro-diversity using hybrid transmissions via twisted pairs

Patent Citations (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3342598A (en) 1965-06-14 1967-09-19 Eastman Kodak Co Phosphorous and maleic acid buffers for ferricyanide photographic bleaches
US7280872B1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2007-10-09 Transoma Medical, Inc. Wireless communication with implantable medical device
US20060135998A1 (en) * 2004-11-18 2006-06-22 Imad Libbus System and method for closed-loop neural stimulation
US8423139B2 (en) * 2004-12-20 2013-04-16 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for cardiac rhythm management using an electrode arrangement
US9008768B2 (en) * 2004-12-20 2015-04-14 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for cardiac rhythm management using an electrode arrangement
US20070239210A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2007-10-11 Imad Libbus System and method for closed-loop neural stimulation
US20110130802A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2011-06-02 Imad Libbus System and method for testing neural stimulation threshold
US20120035682A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2012-02-09 Imad Libbus System and method for testing neural stimulation threshold
US7957813B1 (en) * 2007-05-08 2011-06-07 Pacesetter, Inc. Adaptive staged wake-up for implantable medical device communication
US20100030303A1 (en) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Medtronic, Inc. Monitoring ambient noise on communication channels used to communicate with medical devices
US8805528B2 (en) 2009-03-31 2014-08-12 Medtronic, Inc. Channel assessment and selection for wireless communication between medical devices
EP2327609B1 (de) 2009-11-26 2016-01-27 Faroex Ltd. Struktur mit einer Verbundstoffplattenverbindung
EP2361654A1 (de) 2010-02-18 2011-08-31 St. Jude Medical AB Réveil de circuit de communication implantable
WO2012056298A2 (en) 2010-10-29 2012-05-03 Cochlear Limited Pairing or associating electronic devices
US20130085550A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 Greatbatch, Ltd. Medical implant range extension bridge apparatus and method
US10485444B2 (en) * 2014-10-17 2019-11-26 G-Tech Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for processing electromyographic signals of the gastrointestinal tract
US20160121129A1 (en) * 2014-11-03 2016-05-05 Pacesetter, Inc. System and method for low power communication between implantable devices
US20160294486A1 (en) * 2015-03-30 2016-10-06 Sony Mobile Communications Inc. Device contact avoidance for body area network
US20190372648A1 (en) * 2015-08-25 2019-12-05 Cellium Technologies, Ltd. Systems and Methods for Transporting Signals Inside Vehicles
US20220182124A1 (en) * 2015-08-25 2022-06-09 Cellium Technologies, Ltd. Macro-diversity using hybrid transmissions via twisted pairs
US10512414B2 (en) * 2015-08-29 2019-12-24 G-Tech Medical, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting gastrointestinal motor activity during post-operative recovery
US10307600B2 (en) * 2015-09-22 2019-06-04 Medtronic, Inc. System and method for interacting with an implantable medical device
US10091784B1 (en) * 2016-12-31 2018-10-02 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Device-to-device (D2D) scheduling control in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless system
US20200049829A1 (en) * 2017-04-20 2020-02-13 Wuhan University Method and system of real-time transmission and demodulation of beidou satellite navigation signals
US10921456B2 (en) * 2017-04-20 2021-02-16 Wuhan University Method and system of real-time transmission and demodulation of beidou satellite navigation signals

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3795213B1 (de) 2023-05-24
JP2021048580A (ja) 2021-03-25
EP3795213A1 (de) 2021-03-24
US20210085989A1 (en) 2021-03-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20210316149A1 (en) Tissue conduction communication using ramped drive signal
EP1784123B1 (de) Bereitstellung digitaler datenkommunikationen über drahtlose intrabody-netzwerke
US8792983B2 (en) Methods and apparatuses for implantable medical device telemetry power management
US7392092B2 (en) Method and apparatus for operating a diversity antenna system for communicating with implantable medical device
US5814089A (en) Leadless multisite implantable stimulus and diagnostic system
US8170667B2 (en) Implantable cardiac monitor upgradeable to pacemaker or cardiac resynchronization device
EP3717065B1 (de) Vorrichtung und verfahren zur verminderung der artefakte von einer gewebeleitungskommunikationsübertragung
US11110279B2 (en) Signal transmission optimization for tissue conduction communication
US10249180B2 (en) Implantable medical device adapted for radio frequency telemetry with frequency hopping
US11235162B2 (en) Tissue conduction communication between devices
US11446508B2 (en) Implantable medical device configured to establish a communication link to another implantable medical device
US20220263904A1 (en) Method for managing a physical layer utilized during a wireless connection with medical devices
US20240207622A1 (en) Communication System for Intra-Body Communication
US20240050756A1 (en) Intra-Body Network System
US12021555B2 (en) Implantable medical device and method for managing a physical layer utilized during a wireless connection
WO2023088780A1 (en) Implantable therapy system for an antibradycardia and antitachycardia stimulation
WO2021048337A1 (en) System and method for communication among multi-chamber leadless pacemaker devices

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

AS Assignment

Owner name: BIOTRONIK SE & CO. KG, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HUEGERICH, BURKHARD;REEL/FRAME:053540/0367

Effective date: 20190909

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE